Sophie Frere and the Fascination with Lines at Kasama

Sophie Frere observes a daily spectacle from the rooftop of her apartment building. Some view it as mass hypnosis, while others see it as justified excitement. Having moved to Chicago two months ago, she now lives near Wicker Park, directly across from the popular Filipino restaurant, Kasama. She was intrigued by the perpetual line outside.

When she asked a neighbor about it, she learned it was a Michelin-starred establishment. The line runs daily along Augusta Boulevard, wrapping around the block. Her friends in the UK are baffled, while those in San Diego are eager to try it. Frere finds this all fascinating.

She was born in San Diego and grew up in London. Now, she documents the queue with a TikTok account called @kasamahowwefeelin. Her videos quickly gained traction, reaching between 600,000 and 700,000 views each. The content is simple: a line, shot from her rooftop. It draws comparisons to Andy Warhol’s static films.

Once, she joked about hiring DJs for the line, resulting in 300 offers. On September 27, she had DJs play for waiting customers. Frere’s interest extends beyond curiosity. Previously in California, she worked on AI integration in tech and grew weary of corporate culture. Now in Chicago, she’s considering studying law or psychology at Northwestern.

Frere often contemplates queues and their stories. The line at Kasama includes tourists, families, couples, and hipsters. Conversations range from mundane to personal. People complain about the wait but claim Kasama’s breakfast sandwich is worth it. TikTok comments vary, with some describing it as ‘amazing’ or simply ‘mid.’

Line waiting has historical roots. In 14th-century England, forming a queue for water was mandated. David Andrews, in Why Does the Other Line Always Move Faster, explains line-standing became more common in the 19th century. By 1837, historian Thomas Carlyle noted the French lining up for bread was unusual.

Kasama’s line, since opening in 2020, serves as social currency and a rite of passage. Previously, Chicagoans lined up for popular doughnuts and cupcakes. Now, TikTok incites lines for bagels and pastries at bakeries like Fat Peach and Sugar Moon.

Frere herself participates in the Kasama line. She jokes about inadvertently contributing to the line’s growth with her videos. She sees near-misses with bicyclists and frustrated drivers. Even on closed days, a mistaken line sometimes forms. Her wave from the roof often goes unnoticed.

Although it’s not her full-time job, Frere receives numerous DMs about the queue. She considers her rooftop videos a form of community service.